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USDA Grants $25.8 Million for Rural Projects

The money will go towards education and health projects in 38 states.

Oct 03, 2006

USDA has awarded 103 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants of over $25.8 million towards improving educational and medical services to residents in 38 states. Thomas Dorr, Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development, made the announcement Monday during a Rural Development workshop in Charleston, W. Va.

"This program connects communities to medical services and educational opportunities they would not otherwise have," says Dorr.

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program was created to encourage, improve, and make affordable the use of telecommunications, computer networks and related technology for rural communities to improve access to educational and/or medical services.

Fifty seven of the grants will fund projects designed to provide improved medical service and 46 will provide improved educational opportunities. Since 2001, 483 grants totaling over $166 million have been awarded under the program. Three of the grants, totaling $1,051,652 will be provided to West Virginia.